Funding for Reading rape and sex assault support centre

A centre offering support to victims of rape and sexual offences will open this year in Reading.

A centre offering support to victims of rape and sexual offences will open this year in Reading

A centre offering support to victims of rape and sexual offences will open this year in Reading.

The Ministry of Justice today announced that a £4 million government grant will fund the new Reading centre and three others around the country.

Victims' Minister Helen Grant said: "With one in 20 women reporting they were the victim of a serious sexual offence last year, it is so important we don’t leave them to suffer in silence.

"That’s why I’m pleased to announce another tranche of brand new centres that will help victims in places where there aren’t the specialist services needed."

The £4 million funding is part of a three year commitment of £11.5 million for rape support services across England and Wales.

Rape Crisis chairman, Lee Eggleston said: "It is vital that women and girls who experience sexual violence are able to receive specialised support when and where they need it in order to be able to rebuild and move forward with their lives."

He welcomed the move and said the areas where the new centres were opening previously lacked the necessary support.

Centres will also open in Avon and Somerset, Lincolnshire and Central Lancashire.